It must be love: Queen's Gate in Hawaii Kai

By Melissa Chang

Published: 2011.04.05 05:03 PM

Photo by Scott Villard

Look around the gorgeously remodeled home at 1170 Palea Way and you have to wonder why anyone would want to leave this paradise located on the golf course at Queen's Gate. Affectionately named "Villata Blue" by its realtor, Kelly Mitchell, the 2,200 square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath home has hardwood floors, a nice little pool, and an airy, open floor plan. It has all the quality elements of a luxury home, but the clean lines and the easy flow of the layout give it a welcoming, comfortable feeling.

The modern kitchen was what grabbed me: an incredible amount of storage options, two ovens, and counter space galore-ideal for when I'm feeling a Martha (Stewart) moment. It leads out to a large living and dining area, perfect for entertaining.

"We completely renovated the whole house last year, even the doorknobs and hinges," said owner Scott Dirks. "I like our little 'trap door' to the golf course, too. We can hear people at the 18th hole, which-believe it or not-is kind of comforting."

With the home's proximity to Sandy Beach, they can easily walk to the ocean, or just listen to the waves crashing at night while lounging at the pool with a glass of wine after a long day. The privacy of the gated community is an added plus for escaping the hustle and bustle of downtown.

So why move? Dirks' wife, Paula, works for Starwood and got a promotion and transfer to the St. Regis in New York. Once their Hawaii home sells, he'll head to the Big Apple to join her ... in their 700 square-foot condo.

"It's a rental, but it would sell for about $875,000 to $900,000," laughed Dirks. No comparison to the paradise they're leaving behind, but now someone else can enjoy it.

About Our Writers

Honolulu Real Estate focuses on the Hawai‘i housing market, condos and homes for sale, Hawai‘i rentals and general news about real estate in Hawai‘i. It also includes stories on apartment living, home decor and profiles.

Melissa Chang graduated from the University of Hawai‘i with a degree in journalism. She has been blogging about food and travel since 2007. She works primarily in social media, so you can find her online @Melissa808 on Twitter and Instagram.

Jaymes Song is a real estate agent at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in Kāhala. Jaymes is in the top 1.5 percent of Better Homes agents nationwide. He was voted “Best in Real Estate” in 2015 and 2014 by HONOLULU Magazine readers. Previously, Jaymes was at The Orange County Register, Honolulu Star-Bulletin and rose through the ranks to overseeing news and operations for AP in Hawai‘i and the Pacific Rim. Jaymes lives in the Portlock area and loves his real full-time job as a dad to two curious kids.